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Time to read on Facebook and other social media platforms that someone’s dad is the greatest dad in the world.

I better get a card that says that. Even if it is definitely not true.

But, I would be a better father if I could be more like the dad God gifted me.

So, here is a list of things that make my dad a father worth celebrating and emulating.

1) He loves God and seeks to grow in His relationship with Jesus.

This may seem like the correct “Christian answer”, but this is foundational to many of the other qualities that make my dad the man he is. I have seen my dad grow more and more into the image of Jesus as he has gotten older. I have witnessed more love, patience, wisdom, gentleness, and compassion from my dad as he has aged. Jesus changes people and I’m thankful for the way my dad has leaned into Him.

2) He asks questions and listens.

My dad is genuinely interested in what is going on in the lives of others. He is a gifted listener and he seeks to understand. This has been an area of growth for him over the years and it has developed into a remarkable strength. This is what makes him an outstanding coach and an even better dad. As a dad, I recognize that I make statements more than I ask questions. I try to fix and tell more than understand. I get impatient and assume I know the answer instead of listening. I thank God for the way my dad has modeled these important skills for me.

3) He apologizes.

One of my vivid memories of my dad is when I was in elementary school My dad got angry and harsh with me and I was sent to my room. My dad came in the room and sat next to me on my bed and apologized for how he acted and wept. I respected him and felt safe with him because he was strong enough to admit when he was wrong. He still seeks to make things right when he fears he has messed up. I appreciate his ability to apologize because ha understands his need for grace and therefore, humbly offers it to others.

4) He supports and encourages.

My dad is a gift to me. He asked me if he could come and volunteer his time to come alongside me on our Watermark team. He explained that he wasn’t wanting money, or position or anything – except to support and encourage me and our faith family. He has been a tremendous help in critical areas that he may not naturally enjoy, but it has made a significant impact. I hope that I will be able to follow in his footsteps someday and support and encourage my kids and younger leads when my hairline is a lot lower.

5) He shows and makes a point to say, “I love you.”

One of the decisions my dad made when we were young kids was to always verbalize his feelings. My dad hugs me. My dad kisses me. My dad tells me he loves me. My dad has blessed me and told me he is proud of me. I am especially thankful that he has written a letter of memories and blessings to each of my kids every Christmas. These letters make it clear that they are loved and beloved gifts. I am thankful for his commitment to show and verbalize his love.

There are more than these five reasons why I could celebrate my dad today. I could describe his sense of humor, I could speak of his ability to affirm and encourage others and I could remark on my appreciation for teaching me to love the Detroit Tigers and hate the Yankees.

So, on this Father’s Day, I am thankful and I celebrate David P. Deur.